Uralkali seeking deals for potash, distribution network

Uralkali OAO, the world's second-largest producer of potash fertilizer, is looking to buy potash assets as well as a distribution network for its products, its chief executive said in an interview.

"We would like to implement M&A in the potash sector, and we're still looking for potash assets," CEO Vladislav Baumgertner said. "Though there are not too many opportunities."

Potash is one of the most-important nutrients applied to crops. While demand slipped this year due in part to the U.S. drought and a cut in a key Indian government subsidy, it is expected to be brisk next year as high prices for corn and other agricultural commodities lead to more plantings.

Uralkali, formed last year in a merger with fellow Russian potash producer Silvinit, primarily produces in Russia's Perm district, but it is looking around the world for potash assets, Baumgertner said.

The Russian company is also interested in directly overseeing shipment of its fertilizer rather than hiring another company to do so.

"It makes sense to consider whether some logistical and distribution assets can be acquired," Baumgertner said. "We're still waiting for the right moment."

Uralkali is most interested in distribution networks in China, Brazil and Russia, he said, adding that the company is not interested in buying nitrogen or phosphate fertilizer assets.

Uralkali itself is not for sale, and more work needs to be done to boost shareholder value, Baumgertner said.

"At the moment we're not talking to any investors," he said. "I believe that it's still too early for shareholders to sell the company because we still have a huge opportunity to create value.

"We're still at the bottom of the business cycle and we think it will take us several years to increase our production volumes and achieve higher prices."

No Interest in London Listing

Uralkali had considered a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, but now feels the current setup of using global depositary shares to list on various exchanges works well, Baumgertner said.

"We will not move to London, at least not for the next several years," he said. We just don't think this will create any considerable value for the shareholders," he said. "The level of liquidity is quite high for the company, and our investors feel quite comfortable."

Baumgertner said current shareholders are happy with Uralkali's corporate governance and funding.

The company's largest shareholder is Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov. Beyond Kerimov, roughly 60 percent of the company's shares are held by investors in the United States and 40 percent in London.

Key Uralkali rivals include Canada-based Potash Corp , the world's largest potash producer, as well as Mosaic Co.

Indian Fertilizer Contract

Uralkali had expected to sign a fertilizer contract with India this month, but now does not expect to do so until October or November, Baumgertner said.

India is one of the world's biggest consumers of potash. It buys the fertilizer through contracts renewed mostly on an annual basis, in contrast to other users including Brazil, which buy on the spot market.

Earlier this year India cut its domestic subsidy for some fertilizers by 20 percent, a move designed to cut government costs. The unpopular maneuver effectively cut demand for potash across the country.

"Weak demand in India prevented us from (signing a new contract)," Baumgertner said, adding that Uralkali does not think it will be able to boost prices in the next contract.

"We're going to insist on stable prices," he said. "We'll see what the final outcome of the negotiations will be."